ABHA
Cooler and wetter than other Saudi regions, Abha is an elevated and, therefore, more fertile land with colourful, striking terrain. This mountainous province, which shares a border with Yemen, is a welcoming region for travellers looking for plenty to do
RAIDAH
PROTECTED AREA This wildlife reserve may be one of Saudi's smallest wildlife areas at 14 square kilometres, but that should not take anything away from the fact that abundant food here protects a wonderful natural habitat and countless local animals. For example, of Saudi's ten indigenous species of birds, nine can be found in the park among many other foreign fowl, including eagles.
Public access to Raidah Park is afforded to some education groups, although visitors should take caution as the site is located on a steep slope below Jebel Sawdah. The park is managed by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation & Development. The steep walls of the wadi are great for spotting many animals, including gazelles, ibex, mongoose and the endangered Arabian leopard. Sacred baboons, Caracal lynx and Arabian wolves also roam the area, which carries a hunting ban.
Half-day tour Two to 20
Early morning is best before the wildlife takes to hiding Take binoculars
AL MAQAR TOURISM VILLAGE
Scenic views of the coastal region of Tihamah draw in many visitors each year to this attrac- tion, which is located near a cliff ridge. The tourism village has a museum, restaurants, residen- tial apartments and even a zoo.
Half-day tour Two to 50
Best viewed in the afternoon Visit the zoo afterwards
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NATIONAL PARK
KEY Ideal for Group size Timings Top tip
Covering more than 2,000 hect- ares, the National Park is popu- lated by mountains, desert and seascapes that stretch from the west of Abha to the Red Sea coast. Near the halfway mark of the vast stretch of land between al-Qura'ah in the south and al-Soudah in the north is the Visitor Centre, which offers an insight into the park's history. With seven exhibition rooms and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and waters of the Red Sea on a clear day, the centre is an unsurprisingly popular attraction.
Half-day tour Two to 50
Best viewed in the afternoon Watch the sunset
MOUNTAIN TOURS Abha
¥ The capital city of the Asir province ¥ Situated 2,200 metres above sea level
¥ Cooler and wetter than a large portion of Saudi Arabia, enjoying a milder climate ¥ Rarely above 35¡C during the daytime, making it ideal for sightseeing
Ideal for all the active hikers and bikers out there, the mountain tours take visitors around Al Soudah, Al Habala for rock climbing and Tathlith, where camel-trekking and hot-air ballooning are popular pastimes. Several operators carry out mountain tours for up to three days, incorporating many activities.
Jebel Al Helah, an extinct volcano located near the village of Mohayl and Jebel al Taraf in Ohud Rofaidah are other popular mountainous regions within Abha.
Half-day tour Two to 50
Best visited in the morning before the midday heat Organise a hot-air balloon trip
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